Roaches, rodent droppings, and storage issues- Seafood eatery closed for 3rd time in Florida

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In the heart of St. Petersburg, where the allure of fresh seafood is as vibrant as the Gulf Coast sunsets, Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar finds itself in hot water again. Known for its Southern seafood specialties like seafood boils and fried platters, this local eatery has faced a temporary shutdown after a recent state inspection—marking its third closure in recent years.

Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar, nestled on 34th Street North, has garnered a decent reputation among locals and visitors alike. With a 4.2-star rating, many patrons praise its crab and shrimp boils and the warm, friendly service.

However, despite these glowing reviews, the restaurant’s kitchen has recently faced scrutiny from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. On July 16, 2024, an inspection revealed a staggering 26 violations.

The state inspection uncovered a host of issues ranging from basic to severe. Among the basic violations were uncleanable cutting boards and noticeable soil residues in reach-in coolers. More concerning were the sightings of dead roaches and improper storage of single-serve utensils. Intermediate violations included a handwash sink that was not always accessible to employees and the absence of paper towels.

The high-priority violations painted a graver picture. Inspectors found live roaches and their excrement, rodent droppings, and temperatures of cold foods exceeding 41 degrees while hot foods fell below the safe threshold of 135 degrees. These serious health concerns led to the restaurant’s immediate temporary closure.

Despite the grim findings, Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar wasn’t down for long. After two follow-up inspections on July 17, 2024, the restaurant managed to address most of the issues. With 10 remaining violations, none of which were deemed an immediate threat to public health, the establishment was allowed to reopen.

This isn’t the first time Rocking Crab has faced such issues. The restaurant has seen closures before, including in September 2021 and January 2024. Each time, the business has managed to bounce back, but the recurring problems raise questions about the long-term sustainability of their operations.

For now, Rocking Crab Seafood & Bar is back in business, but its recent history of health violations and closures may impact its reputation and customer trust. As it strives to maintain its place in the competitive St. Petersburg seafood scene, it remains to be seen how it will address these persistent concerns and ensure a safer dining experience for its patrons.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as the restaurant works to restore its standing in the community.